"Xin Xin Inspires Me": How to Participate in the Illustrated Letter Exhibition

Chapultepec Zoo's beloved giant panda, Xin Xin, is approaching her 36th birthday on July 1, 2026. This milestone makes her one of the world's longest-living giant pandas outside of China. To celebrate this remarkable longevity, the Secretariat of Environment and the Wildlife Conservation Centers of Mexico City have launched a special initiative: an illustrated letter exhibition.

The "Xin Xin Me Inspires" event invites people of all ages to express their affection and admiration for the panda through art. Participants are encouraged to create their own illustrated letters, using any artistic technique they prefer, from colored pencils and watercolors to digital illustration and collage. These letters should convey personal messages and emotions inspired by Xin Xin, who is recognized as a symbol of hope and conservation.

Submissions are open to two categories: children under 18 and adults over 18. Each letter must be on a standard letter-sized sheet (21 x 28 cm) and include the participant's full name, age, and the title of the work on the front. The deadline for submissions is June 21, 2026, with entries to be delivered to the Chapultepec Wildlife Conservation Center Library between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.

A jury will evaluate the submissions based on creativity, positive message, conservation sense, and representation of Xin Xin. The winning artworks will be exhibited at the zoo's old miniature train station museum. An award ceremony for the top three winners will be held on June 27 at 11:00 AM.